Protection and assistance for victims of human trafficking

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If you or someone you know is a victim of trafficking and you need help right away, please call:

the human trafficking hotline at 1-833-900-1010
your local police or
dial 911

Special temporary resident permit for victims of human trafficking

New changes

As of February 4, 2025, you may now get a temporary resident permit (TRP) for victims of human trafficking for a longer period of time of at least 12 months, with some exceptions.

We’ll also be waiving fees not only for the initial TRP, but also for new TRPs, work permits, study permits and biometrics.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking without legal status in Canada, you may apply for a special temporary resident permit (TRP). This special permit gives you temporary immigration status in Canada.

You don’t pay a fee.

Victims of human trafficking don’t pay a fee for an initial or new TRP, work permit, study permit, or biometrics.

If you’re issued a TRP, you can also get access to health-care benefits under the Interim Federal Health Program and apply for a work permit and study permit.

We may issue you a TRP for many reasons, including to:

escape the influence of traffickers
give you time to further consider your options and make an informed decision on a future course of action
have time to recover from physical or mental trauma
for any other purpose officers may find relevant to facilitate your protection

Depending on your situation, we may issue you another TRP at the end of the first period.

Special considerations

In Canada, you do not have to testify against your trafficker to get temporary or permanent resident status.

How to apply

Victims are mostly referred to IRCC by law enforcement or non-governmental organizations. However, victims can also self-identify to IRCC.

You or your representative (if applicable), who acts on your behalf, will need to mail the following completed application to the IRCC Vulnerable Persons Unit at the address below:

IRCC – Vulnerable Persons Unit
5343 Dundas Street West, Suite 105
Toronto ON M9B 6K5

Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder [IMM 5708] (opens in a new tab)

If a representative is acting on your behalf, you also need to fill out and submit the following form:

Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab)

Write “VTIP” (human trafficking victim) on the outside of the envelope to help us quickly identify your application.

Track your application

If you’re submitting a paper application, we recommend you use a postal or courier service with tracking so you have proof your application was delivered.

Find out how to check if your application has been received

You may need to be interviewed by an immigration officer, who will decide if you’ll get a temporary resident permit.

Please refer to Guide 5554 – Applying to remain in Canada as a temporary resident holder for additional guidance.